2026 Professional Development Award Recipients
In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day (March 6), Human Resources introduced a one‑time Professional Development Award to support employee growth and recognize excellence. Following a competitive review of redacted applications, one recipient was selected in each eligible category: Non‑Student Wage, Classified Staff, and AP Faculty.
2026 Award Recipients
Non‑Student Wage: Vicki Taylor, Learning Specialist
Professional Development: Stanford Neurodiversity Summit
Vicki will attend this nationally recognized summit focused on neuroinclusive practices. The experience will strengthen her work supporting neurodivergent students as they prepare for academic and workplace success, with planned knowledge‑sharing across Learning Services teams.
Classified Staff: Meghan Stone, Academic Advisor, CEHD
Professional Development: Appreciative Advising Certification (Florida Atlantic University)
Meghan will complete this online certification to enhance strengths‑based advising, goal‑setting, and outreach. She will integrate the framework into her advising practice and share tools with the SRTM and Kinesiology advising teams.
AP Faculty: Maddy Quidzinski, Assistant Director, Student Support and Community Outreach
Professional Development: NABITA Annual Conference
Maddy will attend NABITA’s annual conference to deepen her expertise in behavioral intervention and case management, supporting CARE team operations and coordinated student support across campus.
Congratulations to our 2026 Professional Development Award recipients!
For those seeking professional development opportunities, check out a sample of George Mason’s free PD opportunities: